PAGCOR flags unregulated online gaming, eyes ad restrictions

Around half of the country’s online gaming market remains outside regulatory oversight, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro Tengco said in a Tuesday interview.

Tengco clarified that, while online gaming itself is not the problem, illegal providers remain active and are still widely patronized. He emphasized that stronger enforcement and regulation is needed to curb illicit gambling.

He also revealed that PAGCOR was coordinating with the Ad Standards Council to regulate outdoor advertising and billboards promoting the industry, adding that the agency is mulling banning endorsements of online gambling on primetime television.

Policy proposals likely

In a separate radio interview, Senator JV Ejercito voiced concern over the growing number of Filipinos becoming addicted to online gambling. He identified that even police officers, government employees, and the youth were engaging in unhealthy gaming habits.

Ejercito also highlighted how e-wallet platforms can make gambling more accessible, describing them as enablers that allow users to easily access gaming apps.

The senator added that legislative action is likely once Congress resumes session and noted resolutions and bills may soon be filed to address the issue.

PAGCOR, for its part, said on Friday that it will comply with any laws passed by Congress aimed at tightening regulations on online gambling. The agency acknowledged lawmakers’ prerogative to propose legislation and said it is duty-bound to implement any measures signed into law by the President.